The purpose of the Fundamentals
Examination is to identify those applicants who possess the minimum level of
capabilities in Theory of Constraints (TOC) basics that are needed to grasp the
advanced knowledge required to achieve certification in a TOC applications
area. Successful completion of this examination will result in the receipt of a
"TOCICO Certificate of Achievement". Please note that this is not a
TOCICO certification, but simply an acknowledgement that the candidate has
passed the entry exam. The Fundamentals Exam is a three-part exam in the
following broad areas: (1) TOC Fundamentals Concepts, (2) TOC Thinking
Processes, and (3) TOC Applications. Total maximum allowable time for the
entire examination is 4 hours.

The
purpose underlying the suggested list of books and other reference materials is
to identify some resources that TOCICO members have found to be useful in
preparing to take/sit for the Fundamentals Examination. Materials like
these describe the kinds of information and knowledge that a person needs to
know to successfully complete the Fundamentals Exam.Besides providing
selected practical guidance, the sources listed below provide some direction in
reviewing, studying, and preparing for the Fundamentals Examination.

Objective: Demonstrate an understanding of TOC basic
beliefs, paradigms and concepts. Seek to
show the ability to apply these fundamental ideas within a realistic scenario. Compare and contrast TOC basics with
conventional wisdom approaches.

Understand the conceptual difference between managing a 'simple' and a 'complex' system. Have the capability to apply this understanding in a specific situation.

Know and understand the five-step
focusing process. Be able to apply these
steps within a realistic scenario.

Understand the relationship between a realistic goal, necessary conditions for goal achievement, and any prerequisites for those meeting the necessary conditions. For a particular scenario, apply these concepts in a meaningful manner.

Discuss system constraint(s), their
relative importance, and various approaches to managing them.

Describe the TOC systemic or global
metrics relative to organizations residing in different industrial sectors.

Differentiate between the "cost”
and "throughput” world orientations.

Although incomplete, the reference and review materials listed below contain
the kinds of information and knowledge that a person needs to know successfully
to complete Part A of the Fundamentals Exam.

Objective: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of TOC Thinking
Processes. For simplified scenarios, be
able to determine and state sound logical relationships.

Identify
the three questions associated with the Change Sequence. Briefly descisbe the managerial implications
associated with each questions. Be able
to name the TP logic tools that are most closely associated with answering each
query.

Distinguish
between necessity-based and sufficiency-based logic.

Know
the difference between a well-written and poorly-written undesirable effect
(UDE).

Be
able to create a logically-tight evaporating (or conflict) cloud for a
particular situation.

Be
able to create a small, logically-tight, twig or branch for a particular
situation.

Explain
why the real advantage in using the TP tools resides with identifying assumptions
associated with entity relationships.

Objective: Demonstrate
a fundamental knowledge and understanding of simple TOC applications in (1)
internal supply chain management and logistics, (2) finance and measurement,
and (3) single critical chain project management. In addition, show familiarity with the TOC
approach to identifying and addressing each layer of resistance to change.

Create an
effective plan for managing an internal supply chain including
constraint/bottleneck identification, appropriate buffer management,
differences between time and stock buffers, and establishment of the necessary
communication links.

Determine
an optimal product mix for a simplified situation in which there is a
functioning constraint.

Demonstrate
your understanding and ability to manage a single specific project according to
TOC Critical Chain principles. Focus is
on identifying activities in the critical chain, location and sizing necessary
project and feeding buffers, and predicting expected total project completion
time.

Identify
the sequential layers of resistance to change that must be overcome in order to
gain management’s buy-in to implementing system-based improvements.

Below
is a list of some books and other reference materials that TOCICO members have
found to be useful in preparing to take/sit for the Part C of the Fundamentals
Exam.